Trelleborg will showcase its cutting-edge polymer solutions and capabilities for aerospace and advanced air mobility (AAM) applications at the Farnborough International Air Show, in Hall 1 at stand 1115, from July 22 to 26.
As a leader in hydraulic systems for aircraft since the 1950s, Trelleborg has cemented its position as a key player in the aerospace industry for innovative lightweight polymer solutions. This year’s Farnborough International Airshow marks a significant milestone for Trelleborg in aerospace as it bolsters its commitment to delivering an expanded portfolio of cutting-edge solutions and expanded capacity and capabilities.
Demonstrating its ambition in the aerospace sector, Trelleborg recently announced a major new 5,000 square feet/465 square meters production facility in Morocco to create a local presence for international customers in the region while increasing global capacity to meet the industry’s strong growth. Scheduled to open in late 2025, the facility in the Midpark Industrial Freezone, near the Mohammed V International Airport, will significantly enhance Casablanca’s growing reputation as an aviation hub.
To optimize its aerospace logistics capabilities, Trelleborg is also investing in a new 15,000 square feet/1,394 square meters warehouse at Burntwood in Staffordshire, UK, scheduled to open in September 2024. Terry Groom, General Manager – Aerospace Hub Europe North, says: “The new facility more than doubles the footprint of the current warehouse complex. It supports the expanding aerospace business with state-of-the-art logistics capabilities including enhanced quality control facilities and expanded storage capacity, as well as new assembly, kitting and special handling capabilities.”
Torben Andersen, Director Aerospace Segment, says: “Farnborough provides an exceptional platform for us to showcase our expanded range of innovative polymer solutions and demonstrate our commitment to the growing sector with investments that increase our capabilities and capacity for customers. Our world-leading R&D in areas such as hydrogen propulsion enables us to create efficient seals that support the aviation industry’s transition towards more sustainable transportation.
“We can supply a solution for virtually all aerospace sealing challenges, leveraging the use of polymer components for lightweight designs that benefit the environment while ensuring improved safety and comfort for passengers. Our portfolio of products and materials is optimized to work in severe weather and extreme temperatures, provides outstanding resistance to harsh chemicals such as de-icing fluids and can be fitted to any type of aircraft or AAM vehicle.”
Trelleborg has developed a range of polymer and metal sealing materials proven for hydrogen applications for a range of industrial sectors with a special focus on hydrogen propulsion for aircraft. As the smallest and lightest of all molecules, hydrogen is a unique challenge to seal but Trelleborg has developed a proprietary testing regime to provide customer assurance about the functionality and durability of its solutions.
During the five-day event, attendees can learn about Trelleborg’s specialist sealing technologies for cabins and interiors, airframes and structures, energy management systems, propulsion, controls and actuation, with technical experts on hand to discuss individual application requirements.
Trelleborg manufactures a range of components for functional and aesthetic interior aerospace applications such as storage bins, light fittings, and air conditioning nozzles and bezels. Materials are approved to all international smoke and toxicity standards and available in a range of standard and custom profiles. FDA- and NSF61-approved O-Rings are suitable for applications where seals come into contact with food or drinking water. Advanced extrusion technology is utilized for seat tracks, rub strips and gap seals, with materials color-matched to cabin interiors.
Trelleborg’s airframe seals are typically used for aerodynamic sealing of doors, canopies, hatches and panels, and Trelleborg is the largest global producer of aerospace window seals. Our seals can be reinforced to provide the load, deformation and wear properties required for variable working conditions in both static and semi-static applications. They offer low friction, good abrasion resistance, high flexibility and long life, and can be combined with composite or metal structures to limit part count and ease installation.
To support the reliable function of high-performance electrical systems in AAM vehicles, Trelleborg has engineered solutions that provide an electromagnetic shield, spark resistance and protection from multiple environmental factors. In addition, custom sealing solutions for high-voltage batteries allow for inexpensive, fully automated assembly and simplified disassembly if the battery requires maintenance. Trelleborg’s thermal management seals prevent bleed air from escaping the ducts used in numerous applications, such as bleed valves, anti-icing systems and air conditioning systems.
“The global industry is very focused on the need for ‘lightweighting’ solutions to reduce the mass of components and cut fuel usage, and ultimately reduce the carbon footprint of flying,” adds Andersen. “Every gram counts and Trelleborg has a range of polymer solutions to replace heavier components traditionally made from metals. For example swapping out the metal primary flight control actuator bearings & landing gear shock strut bearings in a large aircraft for polymer composite materials can save 30kg.
“That may not sound like a significant gain but for a long-haul carrier with 25 aircraft, each making an average of two flights per day, that saving equates to around 139 tonnes/153 tons or 192,000 liters/55,700 gallons of fuel every year. And saving that amount of fuel reduces CO2 emissions by around 494 tonnes/545 tons a year.”
Visitors are invited to the stand to explore Trelleborg’s solutions and learn more about the company’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the aerospace industry.
To find out more about Trelleborg’s aerospace solutions: https://www.trelleborg.com/en/
